What is ATEX?
ATEX defines European standards that guarantee the safe use of equipment in explosive atmospheres. Zone and group classifications indicate the risk levels at which devices can operate. Our products, with the II 2 G D c IIB T135°C code, can safely operate in both gas and dust environments at Zone 1 and Zone 21 levels. The hexagon “Ex” symbol indicates ATEX compliance and ensures reliability.
What is ATEX?
Safety is critical for equipment used in explosive environments. The ATEX Directives, published by the European Union, define these safety requirements. “ATEX” stands for ATmosphères EXplosibles and specifies standards for devices used in explosive atmospheres.
What is ATEX Used For?
An ATEX certification guarantees that equipment can operate safely in environments where there is a risk of gas or dust explosions. Therefore, ATEX-certified devices are mandatory in industries such as chemical plants, paint production, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and oil & gas.
Zone Concept
Explosive atmospheres are classified into Zones according to their risk level. This classification indicates where equipment can safely operate.
ATEX Zones and Category Table
| Environment Type | Zone | Description | ATEX Code Equivalent (Category) |
| Gas Environment | Zone 0 | Area where gas or vapor is present continuously or for long periods | Category 1G |
| Zone 1 | Area where gas may be present during normal operation | Category 2G | |
| Zone 2 | Area where gas is not normally present but may appear in case of a fault | Category 3G | |
| Dust Environment | Zone 20 | Area where dust clouds are present continuously or for long periods | Category 1D |
| Zone 21 | Area where dust may be present during normal operation | Category 2D | |
| Zone 22 | Area where dust may occur rarely or for short periods | Category 3D |
As shown in the table, Category 1 devices offer the highest level of protection and can be used in Zone 0/20, Category 2 devices in Zone 1/21, and Category 3 devices in Zone 2/22.
Equipment Group
Equipment is also classified by usage group:
- Group I: Equipment used in mines
- Group II: Equipment for surface industries (our products belong to this group)
Group II devices are further divided by gas type:
- IIA: Propane
- IIB: Ethylene
- IIC: Hydrogen, acetylene (highest risk)
Our Product ATEX Code
Our products are marked with the following ATEX code:
II 2 G D c IIB T135°C
This code means:
- II → Suitable for surface industries (non-mining applications)
- 2 → Can be used in Zone 1 and Zone 21 (high protection level)
- G → Safe in gas atmospheres
- D → Safe in dust atmospheres
- c → Constructive safety design
- IIB → Suitable for ethylene group gases
- T135°C → Maximum surface temperature 135°C (prevents ignition)
Therefore, our pumps can safely operate in both gas and dust hazardous areas at Zone 1 and Zone 21 levels.
Safety Symbol
According to DIN 40012, the safety symbol for ATEX-approved equipment is a hexagon with the letters “Ex”. This symbol shows that the device can be safely used in explosive atmospheres.
